Washington State Wirehttps://washingtonstatewire.com
Washington State Wire is an independent nonpartisan news gathering organization focusing on Washington state government and the policies that affect Washington residents’ daily lives.Sat, 23 Sep 2017 05:23:34 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.2https://washingtonstatewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cropped-George-Wire-2-32x32.pngWashington State Wirehttps://washingtonstatewire.com
3232Washington state House Democrats ask Congress to find a solution to keep DACA recipients herehttps://washingtonstatewire.com/washington-state-house-democrats-ask-congress-find-solution-keep-daca-recipients/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/washington-state-house-democrats-ask-congress-find-solution-keep-daca-recipients/#respondFri, 22 Sep 2017 15:56:04 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104641This week, all 50 members of the Washington state House Democratic Caucus sent a letter to Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnell requesting that Congress take action in response to President Trump’s decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Washington state is home for nearly 18,000 young people who are able to

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/washington-state-house-democrats-ask-congress-find-solution-keep-daca-recipients/feed/0Morning Wire: Reichert for Gov?, Seattle Seahawks, Rep. Joe Schmickhttps://washingtonstatewire.com/morning-wire-reichert-gov-seattle-seahawks-rep-joe-schmick/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/morning-wire-reichert-gov-seattle-seahawks-rep-joe-schmick/#respondWed, 20 Sep 2017 16:52:00 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104623The purpose of the Washington State Wire is to provide smart, strategic content with thoughtful brevity. We create original content, and we lean on the good work of others. We see our role as helping you look ahead just a little bit, to better know where the policy, political, and economic landscape is heading. Your

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/morning-wire-reichert-gov-seattle-seahawks-rep-joe-schmick/feed/0Public policy, the will of the voters, and the Seattle Seahawkshttps://washingtonstatewire.com/public-policy-will-voters-seattle-seahawks/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/public-policy-will-voters-seattle-seahawks/#respondTue, 19 Sep 2017 22:12:37 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104617“Across all demographics, the 12s are contagious. It’s for everybody.” In this quote, King County Council member Jeanne Kohl-Welles was reflecting on the role of the Seattle Seahawks as a unifying force for the Seattle community. It may be hard to remember for some, particularly the new fans that winning has recruited over the last

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/public-policy-will-voters-seattle-seahawks/feed/0Four reasons Dave Reichert runs for governor in 2020, and four reasons he won’thttps://washingtonstatewire.com/four-reasons-dave-reichert-runs-governor-2020-four-reasons-wont/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/four-reasons-dave-reichert-runs-governor-2020-four-reasons-wont/#respondTue, 19 Sep 2017 18:33:51 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104610Republican Congressman Dave Reichert’s recent announcement of retirement from Congress has gotten a number of folks thinking about his open seat. The 8th CD voted for Democrats at the presidential level since John Kerry’s 2004 campaign. It voted for Obama by 15 points in 2008, for Obama by 3 points in 2012, and for Clinton

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/four-reasons-dave-reichert-runs-governor-2020-four-reasons-wont/feed/0What advice did Governor receive on B&O tax cut veto?https://washingtonstatewire.com/advice-governor-receive-bo-tax-cut-veto/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/advice-governor-receive-bo-tax-cut-veto/#respondTue, 19 Sep 2017 16:54:47 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104605There were many twists and turns during this year’s record 193 day legislative session. Perhaps none was as surprising or shocking than the Governor vetoing a B&O manufacturing tax cut that was agreed to by lawmakers as part of the 2017-19 budget deal. We know that there was a letter sent by some House Democrats asking for the veto while legislative Republicans implored the Governor

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/advice-governor-receive-bo-tax-cut-veto/feed/0Podcast: Rep. Joe Schmick on Washington State Policy and Politicshttps://washingtonstatewire.com/podcast-rep-joe-schmick-washington-state-policy-politics/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/podcast-rep-joe-schmick-washington-state-policy-politics/#respondMon, 18 Sep 2017 21:42:43 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104594Now that’s the nicest way I’ve ever heard anyone say ‘You’re a bold-faced liar.’ Representative Joe Schmick (R-Colfax) tells us the story behind that comment, which is indicative of his legislative style: polite but not going to back down from a fight. He walks us through his role as ranking member on the House Health

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/rep-joe-fitzgibbon-settlement-pse-rate-case/feed/0Dhingra holds lead over Englund in new pollhttps://washingtonstatewire.com/dhingra-holds-lead-englund-new-poll/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/dhingra-holds-lead-englund-new-poll/#respondFri, 15 Sep 2017 18:33:34 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104583A poll conducted by Myers Research | Strategic Services shows that Democratic candidate Manka Dhingra has a double-digit lead over her Republican opponent Jinyoung Englund. The Senate race in the 45th Legislative District will determine which party will control the Senate. Republicans currently have a slim majority of 25-24 in the Senate. Democrats have a

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/dhingra-holds-lead-englund-new-poll/feed/0City of Tacoma files suit against three of top prescription opioid manufacturershttps://washingtonstatewire.com/city-tacoma-files-suit-three-top-prescription-opioid-manufacturers/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/city-tacoma-files-suit-three-top-prescription-opioid-manufacturers/#respondFri, 15 Sep 2017 15:49:29 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104580The City of Tacoma has filed suit against Purdue, Endo and Janssen, three of the biggest manufacturers of prescription opioids in the United States. The suit was filed to hold Purdue, Endo and Janssen accountable for providing false and misleading information to doctors and patients about the safety and efficacy of prescription opioids over approximately

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/city-tacoma-files-suit-three-top-prescription-opioid-manufacturers/feed/0AWB bus tour to celebrate manufacturershttps://washingtonstatewire.com/awb-bus-tour-celebrate-manufacturers/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/awb-bus-tour-celebrate-manufacturers/#respondThu, 14 Sep 2017 22:30:50 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104577Watch for a big, vinyl-wrapped bus rolling through your community soon. The Association of Washington Business (AWB) is hitting the road to celebrate Washington manufacturers — the makers of everything from airplanes and music stands to carbon fiber and fair trade skin care products. Beginning Sept. 29 and continuing through Oct. 6, community leaders and

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/awb-bus-tour-celebrate-manufacturers/feed/0Washington keeps strong bond ratinghttps://washingtonstatewire.com/washington-keeps-strong-bond-rating/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/washington-keeps-strong-bond-rating/#respondTue, 12 Sep 2017 19:35:50 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104574State Treasurer Duane Davidson announced today that the three national debt rating agencies have reviewed Washington’s financial situation and have confirmed the existing ratings for the State’s Long Term General Obligation (GO) bonds. Washington has very strong ratings: Fitch AA+ with stable outlook, Moody’s Aa1 with stable outlook and S&P AA+ with stable outlook. The

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/washington-keeps-strong-bond-rating/feed/0Lord of Open Government: One Standard to Rule Them Allhttps://washingtonstatewire.com/lord-open-government-one-standard-rule/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/lord-open-government-one-standard-rule/#respondTue, 12 Sep 2017 18:53:54 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104571When it comes to complying with Washington’s renowned open government laws, the Legislature has maintained it should be held to a different standard than local governments. This may change thanks to a new lawsuit filed by several media outlets. As reported by the AP: A coalition of news organizations led by The Associated Press is suing the Washington

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/lord-open-government-one-standard-rule/feed/0Rep. Taylor says new comprehensive study on Hirst shows rural economic devastationhttps://washingtonstatewire.com/rep-taylor-says-new-comprehensive-study-hirst-shows-rural-economic-devastation/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/rep-taylor-says-new-comprehensive-study-hirst-shows-rural-economic-devastation/#respondTue, 12 Sep 2017 17:57:31 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104568The Building Industry Association of Washington released a comprehensive report detailing the potential economic impacts of the state Supreme Court’s flawed Hirst decision. Rep. David Taylor, R-Moxee, ranking Republican on the House Environment Committee and one of the Legislature’s lead negotiators on the Hirst issue, released the following statement: I’m grateful for BIAW’s exhaustive research on

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/rep-taylor-says-new-comprehensive-study-hirst-shows-rural-economic-devastation/feed/0Five reasons my money is on Austin for Amazon’s HQ2https://washingtonstatewire.com/five-reasons-money-austin-amazons-hq2/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/five-reasons-money-austin-amazons-hq2/#respondTue, 12 Sep 2017 00:14:45 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104558I was in Austin, Texas, last week when Amazon released it’s news that it was shopping for an second, “equal” headquarters. It was a topic during a breakfast event I attended, a Texas Tribune interview of the San Antonio Mayor Ron Nierenberg. His response to the question of his interest level in Amazon was telling

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/five-reasons-money-austin-amazons-hq2/feed/0Podcast: Axelrod interviews Sen. Patty Murrayhttps://washingtonstatewire.com/podcast-axelrod-interviews-sen-patty-murray/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/podcast-axelrod-interviews-sen-patty-murray/#respondMon, 11 Sep 2017 18:03:50 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104547David Axelrod’s “Axe Files” is one of the most important podcasts in America today. It includes a set of interviews with folks from across the political spectrum of US politics. In one of his latest interviews, he sits down with US Senator Patty Murray. It’s a great conversation that gives a window into Sen. Murray’s

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/podcast-axelrod-interviews-sen-patty-murray/feed/0Podcast: Axelrod interviews Jay Insleehttps://washingtonstatewire.com/podcast-axelrod-interviews-jay-inslee/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/podcast-axelrod-interviews-jay-inslee/#respondMon, 11 Sep 2017 17:31:38 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104541David Axelrod is creating one of the more interesting set of podcast interviews of our time. His series, “The Axe Files,” has covered 171 episodes – so far – including some of the most important bi-partisan names in US politics today. You can see a list of episode topics here. His latest interview is with

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/podcast-axelrod-interviews-jay-inslee/feed/0Podcast: Cary Moon on running for Seattle mayorhttps://washingtonstatewire.com/cary-moon-running-seattle-mayor/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/cary-moon-running-seattle-mayor/#respondMon, 11 Sep 2017 14:00:11 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104495Cary Moon is running to be the next mayor of Seattle. She got through the 2017 mayoral primary out of a field of 21 candidates. She gained 17.6%, second to Jenny Durkan’s 27.9%. Her background is in urban planning, and has laid out a series of policy positions related to housing, homelessness and the economy.

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/cary-moon-running-seattle-mayor/feed/0Chairman Hutchison Addresses 8th Congressional District Racehttps://washingtonstatewire.com/chairman-hutchison-addresses-8th-congressional-district-race/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/chairman-hutchison-addresses-8th-congressional-district-race/#respondFri, 08 Sep 2017 16:54:17 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104532Washington State Republican Party Chairman Susan Hutchison addresses WA-8 seat held by Dave Reichert, who announced that he was not seeking reelection: First, I want to thank Dave Reichert for his service. Dave is heroic. Dave has served his entire life in public service. He leaves behind a great district of wonderful voters. I talked

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/chairman-hutchison-addresses-8th-congressional-district-race/feed/0Podcast: State Senator Mike Padden on the last legislative sessionhttps://washingtonstatewire.com/state-senator-mike-padden-last-legislative-session/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/state-senator-mike-padden-last-legislative-session/#respondFri, 08 Sep 2017 14:00:35 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104487We visited State Senator Mike Padden in his district office in Spokane Valley. In this podcast interview, Padden talks through the details and implications of the Hirst decision, and how that issue became so central to the close of the legislative session. He also spends time talking through ongoing concerns with the Department of Corrections,

]]>https://washingtonstatewire.com/state-senator-mike-padden-last-legislative-session/feed/0Gov. Inslee statement on U.S. Senate health care hearingshttps://washingtonstatewire.com/gov-inslee-statement-u-s-senate-health-care-hearings/
https://washingtonstatewire.com/gov-inslee-statement-u-s-senate-health-care-hearings/#respondWed, 06 Sep 2017 16:48:18 +0000https://washingtonstatewire.com/?p=104523I am encouraged by the bipartisan process beginning today in the United States Senate to help stabilize health insurance markets across the country. I especially appreciate the leadership of Senator Patty Murray, who is co-leading this effort, and of Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, who has been a stalwart advocate for Washington consumers and will